<HW> Due: 11/10/2011




1) What is absolutism?

Theory of kingship whereby the monarch ruled a centralized state with absolute sovereignty.

2) Explain the justification for absolutism referred to as the 'divine right of kings'.

Absolutism was justified as the 'divine right of kings' to rule ;an authority given to monarchs directly by god.

3) List the causes of the rise of Absolutism in Europe.

Practical considerations, protestant reformations and mercantile polices led to Absolutism in Europe.

4) In your opinion, is absolutism a good way to rule? Can you think of a situation where it might be a positive thing?

In my opinion, absolutism is not a good way to rule. That is because complete power will just lead to a failure. If one is overpowered as in absolutism, one can get selfish and irresponsible in front of unbearable power. Absolutism might be a positive thing if there is an outstanding, responsible ruler.




<HW> Due: 11/3/2011
1.When and where did they rule and what were their accomplishments?
Frederick the Great

-Frederic the GReat was the King of Prussia. Frederic the Great contributed greatly into religious tolerance, education, the justice system and the abolition of torture. He followed many of the philosophes, also.



Joseph II

-Joseph II was the most radical reformer during his time. Just like Frederic, Joseph II contributed religious tolerance, and introduced legal reforms and freedom of press. He also forced the wealthy people to pay off the peasants with cash.



Catherine the Great

-Catherine the Great went through many reformations. She was the ruler who got praised the most. However her reformations were not that great.



How did they reflect the new Enlightenment ideals?

-They contributed to religious tolerance, freedom of speech, and freedom of press. Their reforms were greatly based and supported by various philosophes. Because they tried very hard to obtain religious freedom and freedom of speech and press, they were considered very revolutionary.



What are some of the ways that western culture changed in response to Enlightenment ideas? Be sure to mention the baroque, neoclassical, and classical styles.

-After the Enlightenment, the Europeans moved on from the baroque style of art to different styles of art. Neoclassical and classical styles fo music emphasized elegance and simpleness.

3) Think about People TODAY who you would considered to be ENLIGHTENED thinkers. Research what they have done - justify your choice in a paragraph.
Bill Gates is definitely an Enlightened thinker. Though with harsh environment, Bill Gates succeeded to found Microsoft and expand Microsoft to the World. Because Bill Gates tried his best and put in much effort into the program, not Microsoft is commonly used in all desktops at home. If it wasn't for Bill Gates, we would have ended up with much less development of computer technology. Because of Microsoft, people were able to communicate and get access to internet more efficiently. He also came out in many advertisements that enabled the common people to buy themselves a desktop with Microsoft Windows installed in it. Until now, Microsoft Windows is being used all over the world.





<HW> Due: 10/26/2011
1. Why have people decided to Occupy Wall Street, and other financial areas in major cities the world over?
People decided to Occupy Wall street and other financial areas in major cities because by occupying those places, many people payed close attention on happenings in those places. By occupying wall street and other financial areas in major cities, they were able to attract more attention than any other place.

2. Who might oppose those who are occupying Wall Street or demonstrating? Why are they opposing them?
The wealthy people may have opposed the occupation of Wall Street or demonstrating because the poor people protested about their rights and tried to even out the gap between the rich and the poor. However the wealthy people just wanted to stay powerful and wealthy as they are right now; therefore they may have opposed the occupation of Wall Street.